Population status

Merlin
(Falco columbarius)

The Merlin is monitored in Canada by the Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) and by the Christmas Bird Count (CBC). Both show a large increase in population size since about 1970, indicating a population increase of at least 200%. Although the BBS does not provide good coverage of the northern portion of the species breeding population, and the CBC does not monitor the whole Canadian breeding population, an unknown proportion of which winters further south, the strong agreement between the surveys nevertheless gives this assessment a high reliability. The CBC results for North America indicate the continental wintering population has also undergone a large, long-term increase.

 

Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) - Canadian analysis

Additional information on: Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) - Canadian analysis

Table 1: Population trends by geographic area
Geographic areaTime Period Table 1 - footnote 1 Annual trend Table 1 - footnote 2 Intervals Table 1 - footnote3
LowerUpper
Canada Select to view graph of the geographic area: Canada 1970-2012; Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) - Canadian analysis1970-20123.11.64.4
 

Picture of logo Christmas Bird Count (CBC)

Additional information on: Christmas Bird Count (CBC)

Table 2: Population trends by geographic area
Geographic areaTime PeriodAnnual trend Table 2 - footnote 1 Limits
LowerUpper
North America Select to view graph of the geographic area: North America 1965-2012; Christmas Bird Count (CBC)1965-20123.32.93.6
Canada Select to view graph of the geographic area: Canada 1965-2012; Christmas Bird Count (CBC)1965-20122.71.93.4
 

References